CAPE – Component Authentication via Provenance Encasing for Additive Manufacturing

Introduction

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a multi-step process that involves part design via 3D modeling, slicing of that model using specialized software, and creation of a new set of files that an AM machine can process to fabricate a part. The creation of digital threads for AM and the reduction in cost for advanced machines has led to new issues associated with intellectual property and part “piracy”. Each step of the AM workflow is vulnerable to malicious tampering, design theft, and part counterfeiting, which becomes a primary concern when considering product liability, especially in case of mission-critical parts, when lower quality counterfeit versions of products could enter the market and cause harm. 

This project was focused on developing a process to embed hidden security “barcodes” into AM parts in order to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with the part tampering. The “barcode” incorporation process is applicable to any AM method and does not require alteration to the AM processes or materials. The part validation process is non-destructive, safe, fast, and reliable. Ultimately, this project would allow for facile security “tag” placement by part manufacturers and rapid components verification by customers.
Project Goal: to develop the process to embed security features into AM parts for identification of their authenticity and provenance
Benefits:

• An infinite selection of form factors
• No disruption of the AM process
• Invisible “fingerprint” cannot be removed
• Unclonable ID security

Results: several uncertainties associated with the counterfeiting of AM parts via “fingerprint” inclusion and detection (e.g. equipment sensitivity and resolution, AM hardware capability to accept the “barcode”, effect of the “barcode” on part integrity) had to be addressed during the project. 213 specimens later…”barcodes” were successfully embedded into ABS, clear and black acrylic, stainless steel, and Ti64 components. “Barcodes” were successfully detected for all the parts (plastic and metal). Post-curing of acrylic specimens affected the detection of the “barcode” for clear acrylic, not black. Simulations verified the experimental observations. Finally, part’s integrity was NOT jeopardized in the presence of the “barcode”!!!